Discovering Paradise
Sabana de la Mar
Sabana de la Mar is the southern gateway to Los Haitises National Park — a breathtaking landscape of limestone karst formations, mangrove channels, and ancient Taíno cave art. During whale season (January–March), humpback whales can be spotted from the Samaná Bay shoreline.
☀️January to March
🌡️28°C (82°F)
✈️El Catey International (AZS) — 1 hr or Las Américas (SDQ) — 2.5 hr
Quick Facts
🌡️
Avg Temperature
28°C (82°F)
☀️
Best Months
January to March
✈️
Nearest Airport
El Catey International (AZS) — 1 hr or Las Américas (SDQ) — 2.5 hr
Sabana de la Mar is the southern gateway to one of the Dominican Republic's greatest natural treasures — Parque Nacional Los Haitises. This quiet coastal town on the shores of Samaná Bay may lack the polish of tourist destinations across the water, but it offers something far more valuable: front-row access to a primordial landscape of limestone karst towers, mangrove forests, and caves painted with Taíno art that has survived for over five hundred years.
Los Haitises is unlike anything else in the Caribbean. Hundreds of dome-shaped mogotes — rounded limestone hills covered in dense tropical vegetation — rise from the bay like a scene from prehistoric Earth. Boat tours weave through mangrove channels into caverns where ancient petroglyphs and pictographs cover the walls, left by the Taíno people who inhabited the island long before European contact. The park's biodiversity is staggering, with more than 100 bird species, manatees in the coastal waters, and one of the largest mangrove ecosystems in the Caribbean.
Between January and March, Sabana de la Mar transforms into a whale-watching base. Humpback whales gather in Samaná Bay to breed, and boats from the town offer intimate viewing experiences that rival the more famous tours departing from Samaná town across the bay. The experience of watching a 40-ton whale breach against the backdrop of the Los Haitises karst landscape is one of the most powerful wildlife encounters in the Americas.
Ideal
Good
Rainy
Apr
21° — 30°
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Aug
23° — 31°
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Dec
21° — 29°
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Feb
20° — 28°
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Jan
20° — 28°
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Jul
23° — 31°
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Jun
23° — 31°
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Mar
20° — 29°
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May
22° — 30°
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Nov
22° — 30°
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Oct
22° — 31°
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Sep
23° — 31°
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Temperature in °C💧 = ~5 rain days
Sabana de la Mar is on the southern shore of Samaná Bay, directly across from the Samaná Peninsula.
By Air
El Catey International Airport (AZS) on the Samaná Peninsula is the nearest airport, but reaching Sabana de la Mar from there requires a ferry crossing or a long drive around the bay. Las Américas (SDQ) in Santo Domingo is about 2.5 hours by car and is usually the more practical option.
By Car
From Santo Domingo, take the Autopista del Nordeste toward Samaná and follow signs for Sabana de la Mar — about 2-2.5 hours on good highway. From Hato Mayor, the road north to Sabana de la Mar passes through lush agricultural land — about 45 minutes.
By Ferry
A passenger ferry connects Sabana de la Mar with the town of Samaná across the bay. The crossing takes about an hour and offers beautiful views of the bay and Los Haitises. Ferries run several times daily in each direction — check current schedules locally, as they can change seasonally.
By Bus
Guaguas and públicos connect Sabana de la Mar to Hato Mayor and Santo Domingo. Service is regular but basic. From Santo Domingo, the trip takes about 3 hours with stops along the route.
Getting Around
The town is small and walkable. Boat tours to Los Haitises depart from the waterfront — operators will find you. Motoconchos handle local transport for short trips.
Sabana de la Mar offers basic accommodations suited to nature-focused travelers who prioritize the destination over the hotel room.
Waterfront Hotels
A small number of hotels and guesthouses sit near the waterfront and port area. Rooms are simple but clean, with air conditioning and basic amenities. Expect US$20-40/night. Some offer views across Samaná Bay — pleasant for watching the sunset over the water and the distant peninsula.
Eco-Lodges
A few eco-oriented properties have opened near the entrance to Los Haitises National Park, catering to birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. These offer closer proximity to the park and a more immersive natural setting, though amenities remain basic. Paraíso Caño Hondo, located within the park boundaries, is the standout option — a series of rustic rooms built alongside natural freshwater pools and cascading waterfalls.
Day Trip Alternative
Many visitors base themselves in Samaná town or Las Terrenas across the bay, taking the ferry over for a day trip to Los Haitises. This gives you access to better hotels and restaurants while still experiencing the park from its southern entrance.
Los Haitises National Park
The main event. Boat tours from Sabana de la Mar enter the park through mangrove channels, passing beneath towering karst formations draped in tropical vegetation. Stops include the Cueva de la Línea and Cueva de San Gabriel, where Taíno petroglyphs — faces, animals, and geometric designs — cover the cave walls in remarkable preservation. The birdlife is extraordinary: pelicans, frigatebirds, herons, and the endangered Ridgway's hawk can all be spotted. Tours typically last 3-4 hours and cost RD$2,000-3,500 per person.
Whale Watching (January–March)
Humpback whales return to Samaná Bay each winter to breed and calve in the warm, protected waters. Boat tours from Sabana de la Mar often provide a less crowded alternative to the popular Samaná town departures. Watching a whale breach with the karst towers of Los Haitises in the background is an unforgettable sight.
Mangrove Kayaking
For a quieter, more intimate experience of Los Haitises, guided kayak tours through the mangrove forests allow you to paddle silently through channels where bird and marine life is abundant. The pace is slow, the silence is profound, and the connection to the natural world is immediate.
Birdwatching
The Los Haitises ecosystem supports an impressive diversity of bird species, including several endemics. The park is one of the last refuges of the Ridgway's hawk, one of the world's most endangered raptors. Serious birders should arrange early-morning guided excursions for the best sighting opportunities.
Ferry to Samaná
The ferry crossing to Samaná town is an attraction in itself. The hour-long ride across the bay offers panoramic views of the Los Haitises karst landscape and, during whale season, the possibility of spotting humpbacks from the deck. It also provides a practical connection to the Samaná Peninsula's beaches and restaurants.
- Book Los Haitises tours early. During high season (December-March), boat tours can fill up. Arrange your tour the evening before or early morning at the waterfront. Some operators accept advance bookings by phone.
- Bring binoculars. The birdwatching in Los Haitises is spectacular, but many species perch high in the canopy or along distant mangrove edges. Good binoculars transform a boat tour from great to extraordinary.
- Wear waterproof shoes. Getting in and out of boats on muddy shorelines is part of the experience. Leave the sandals behind and bring shoes you don't mind getting wet.
- Check the ferry schedule. Ferry times between Sabana de la Mar and Samaná change seasonally and can be cancelled in rough weather. Confirm the schedule with locals before planning your day around a crossing.
- Visit Caño Hondo. Even if you don't stay overnight, the Paraíso Caño Hondo eco-lodge welcomes day visitors to swim in its stunning natural pools and waterfall cascades — entry around RD$500. It's one of the most beautiful swimming spots in the country.
- Protect against sun and insects. The open boats offer no shade during Los Haitises tours, and mangrove areas are mosquito territory. Bring a hat, strong sunscreen, and insect repellent — you'll need all three.
Sample Itineraries
Sabana de la Mar Day Trip
Gateway to Los Haitises National Park with mangroves, caves, and wildlife.
🌅 Morning3.5h
Los Haitises National Park
Take a boat into the park through a maze of mangrove channels. Visit Taino caves with ancient petroglyphs and pictographs.
Los Haitises National Park
Tip: Book the tour the day before through your hotel or a local operator in town.
Midday1h
Cayo Levantado Views
From the boat, enjoy views of the dramatic limestone mogotes (haystack hills) rising from the water. Birdwatching is excellent here.
Los Haitises Bay
☀️ Afternoon1.5h
Waterfront Lunch
Return to Sabana de la Mar and eat fresh seafood at one of the simple waterfront restaurants along the bay.
Sabana de la Mar Waterfront
🌙 Evening1h
Malecon Stroll
Walk the town waterfront as fishing boats return with the day catch. Watch the sun set over Samana Bay.
Sabana de la Mar
Practical Information
🚗 Getting Around
Ferry to Samaná(RD$400-500)
Scenic ferry crossing Samaná Bay. About 1 hour.
Guagua(RD$250-400)
Minibuses from Hato Mayor or Santo Domingo.
Tour Boats(US$40-60)
Excursions to Los Haitises National Park from the dock.
💵 Daily Budget
BudgetUS$20-30
Mid-rangeUS$35-60
LuxuryUS$70-120
🛡️ Safety Tips
- ✓Small, peaceful fishing town — very safe
- ✓Los Haitises tours are the main attraction — book with licensed operators
- ✓Ferry schedule can change — confirm times in advance
- ✓Bring rain gear for Los Haitises — it's one of the wettest areas
📶 Connectivity
Limited. Basic 4G. WiFi in some guesthouses.
💰 Tipping
10% service charge (propina legal) included in restaurant bills. Tip extra 5-10% for excellent service. Hotel housekeeping: RD$50-100/day. Tour guides: US$5-10/person.
Photo Gallery
a white bird flying over a forest filled with trees
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I visit Los Haitises National Park from Sabana de la Mar?
Sabana de la Mar is the main departure point for Los Haitises boat tours. Tours leave from the town dock, usually around 9 AM, and last 4-5 hours. They include mangrove channels, Taino cave paintings, and dramatic karst formations. Expect to pay RD$2,500-4,000 (US$43-70) per person including park entry and boat. Book through a local operator or your hotel.
Can I take a ferry from Sabana de la Mar to Samana?
Yes, a passenger ferry connects Sabana de la Mar to Santa Barbara de Samana. The crossing takes about 45 minutes and costs around RD$200-400 (US$3.50-7). Ferries run several times daily, though schedules can vary. This is a scenic and practical alternative to driving around the bay, which takes over 2 hours.
When is whale watching season from Sabana de la Mar?
Humpback whale watching runs from mid-January through late March. Boats depart from Sabana de la Mar to the whale watching areas in the Bay of Samana. Tours cost around US$50-65 per person. February is peak season with the highest likelihood of sightings. The whales come to breed and give birth in the warm, shallow waters of the bay.
Is there much to do in the town of Sabana de la Mar itself?
The town is small and serves mainly as a launching point for Los Haitises and the ferry. There are a few basic restaurants, a waterfront malecon, and friendly locals. You can visit the town in an hour. Most visitors come for a day trip and do not overnight, though simple accommodations are available if you want an early start to the park.
What should I bring on a Los Haitises tour?
Bring waterproof sunscreen, insect repellent (mosquitoes can be heavy in the mangroves), a hat, a rain jacket, water, and snacks. Wear shoes that can get wet, as you may wade during some stops. A waterproof bag for your phone and camera is essential. The boat ride can be bumpy, so take motion sickness medication if you are prone to it.
Nearby Destinations
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Plan Your Sabana de la Mar Trip
Everything you need to plan an unforgettable visit.
Nearest airport: El Catey International (AZS) — 1 hr or Las Américas (SDQ) — 2.5 hr